Former Senate Chief Whip and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has dismissed claims that he opposed the electronic transmission of election results, describing them as misleading and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Kalu expressed concern over the circulation of an old video from the Senate floor, which he said was wrongly presented as his current position in the 10th Senate.
According to him, the video, which recently resurfaced on social media, was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when members of the 9th Senate were required to wear face masks.
“A simple look at that video shows all Senators wearing face masks, a clear evidence that the footage dates back to the 2020 COVID-19 period,” Kalu said.
He explained that the remarks made in the video reflected the technological and institutional realities of that period and should not be interpreted as his present stance.
“For the avoidance of doubt, at no point in the 10th Senate, whether during public hearings, plenary deliberations, or executive sessions, have I opposed the electronic transmission of election results,” he stated.
Kalu noted that improvements in digital infrastructure and election technology over the past five years have strengthened confidence in electronic voting processes.
He added that he has consistently supported the electronic transmission of results in line with Section 60(3) of the Electoral Act, alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio and lawmakers from different political parties.
“As technology has improved, so has our commitment to strengthening electoral transparency and credibility,” he said.
The senator attributed the renewed controversy to what he described as “serial election losers and desperate political actors” who he claimed were attempting to distort facts ahead of the next election cycle.
He warned that such actions could undermine public trust in democratic institutions and electoral processes.
Kalu, however, expressed confidence in the ability of Nigerians to distinguish between factual information and misinformation.
“I trust that Nigerians are discerning enough not to be swayed by recycled falsehoods,” he said.
He urged citizens, especially young people, to remain vigilant and verify information before sharing it on social media.
The controversy comes amid renewed public debate over electoral reforms and the role of technology in ensuring transparent and credible elections in Nigeria.
Stakeholders have continued to emphasize the importance of electronic transmission of results as a key measure to reduce manipulation and improve confidence in electoral outcomes.
